PHILIPPINES – HOOQ, Asia’s largest video-on-demand service, was the recent exclusive presenter of the 41st Metro Manila Film Festival and its New Wave category. Together with MMFF, they both answered the call of entertainment buffs who enjoy watching their favorite films and TV shows wherever and whenever they want; through streaming and downloading of award-winning and quality locally-produced films.
Since 2010, the New Wave category has given independent filmmakers the opportunity to showcase their work and the chance to have more funding for future film projects. This year, aside from the animated and short film entries being shown in cinemas, they were also released through the HOOQ app. It was the first time in the history of MMFF that entries were shown simultaneously online and in theaters.
“We want the world to take notice of the best content Philippine cinema can offer,” said Jane Walker, HOOQ Philippines Country Manager. “Supporting young filmmakers now is investing in the future of entertainment,” she added.
Winners of the New Wave category include the animated film, Buttons, which was created by Marvel Obemio, Francis Ramirez and Jared Garcia of De La Salle University – College of St. Benilde and the short film entitled, Mumu, written and directed by Cheryl Tagyamon of UP Diliman.
Other winners included Krystal Brimber (Best Festival Child Performer: Honor Thy Father); Cesar Montano (HOOQ Male celebrity of the night); Jennylyn Mercado (HOOQ Female celebrity of the night); Dan Villegas and Antoinette Jadaone (Best Original Story, Walang Forever); Paul Sta.Ana (Best Screenplay, Walang Forever); Erik Matti (Best Director, Honor Thy Father); Tirso Cruz III (Best Supporting Actor, Honor Thy Father); Maine Mendoza (Best Supporting Actress, My Bebe Love); Jericho Rosales (Best Actor, Walang Forever); and Jennyln Mercado (Best Actress, Walang Forever). The Best Picture Award was for Walang Forever followed by Buy Now Die Later (2nd Best Picture) and My Bebe Love (3rd Best Picture).
Users will soon be able to watch other 2015 MMFF finalists and winners on HOOQ. They can also choose from close to a hundred past winners and finalists in its huge library of local films and TV shows, made available for streaming and download on multiple devices.
New users can enjoy a 30-day free trial by signing up at www.HOOQ.tv. Monthly subscription is available at only P149 and can be charged to your Globe mobile bill, via credit card, or it comes free with Globe Home Broadband plans P1,299 and up.